About
Cockle Row Visitor Centre started its season of 'Summer Sundays' on 8 June!
Each Sunday throughout the summer months of June, July and August, Cockle will see activities and entertainment visiting the seaside village of Groomsport to provide an afternoon of FREE fun! No booking required, just come along.
The cottages are open Thursdays - Sundays, 5 June - 14 September 2025.
Little explores can also have a go at the sense trail, encouraging them to look, listen, smell and feel the natural surroundings of this special place. Pick up your free Explorers Pack/Senses Trail backpacks from the Visitor Information staff, inside, where you will also find a souvenir and summer fun essentials for the kids and you can wander the cottages to see what life was like for the family that lived there.
Cottages open from 11am - 5pm
Free family fun will take place weekly, on Sundays only from 2pm to 4pm
JULY
Sunday 6 July, 2-4pm
Bring your little pirates and join us at Cockle Row for adventures and fun with the pirate and swashbuckler Captain Morgan, be sure to leave your treasure and gold at home!
While inside Cockle Row regular, Christine Casey will be turning her hand to Spinning. Christine is a traditional hand spinner and weaver who is keeping the skills alive which have flourished here for generations.
Lastly enjoy live music from Paul Whitla and his guitar while taking in the view.
Sunday 13 July, 2-4pm
Come along for a magica lafternoon by the sea at Cockle Row Cottages! Magician FizzWizzPop! will be creating Memorable Magic with interactive performances, which are suitable for all ages. She has performed her unique style of magic for thousands of children across the globe.
Sunday 20 July, 2-4pm
NI Falconry will be along with their fabulous display of birds of prey on the green with their handlers who are on hand to answer any questions about these special creatures.
And, local artist, Heather Cassidy of Wild & Crafted Creative Workshops will also be visiting Cockle Row for some creative kid’s activities.
Sunday 27 July, 2-4pm
Come and meet the pirate jugglers, Babcock and Bobbins, we’d love to see your little pirates join them!
And, MRS MAKER is ART is also back to show you how to make your own artistic creations.
Plus, soda bread will also be on the griddle this Sunday with Christine rolling her sleeves up – and making the tasty treat for you to sample.
AUGUST
Sunday 3 August, 2-4pm
Local artist Rosie Ennis, who specialises in printmaking, will be providing kids crafts spurring creativity, mindfulness and fun.
Miss Shell the Mermaid will be making an appearance too!
Sunday 10 August, 2-4pm
Clive Lyttle of Welig Crafts brings willow craft to Cockle.
Heather Cassidy of Wild & Crafted Creative Workshops will be providinging kids crafts
Sunday 17 August, 2-4pm
NI Falconry returns with their wonderful birds of prey
Christine of Kiri Cottage Crafts will be sharing her baking skills with soda on the griddle for sharing.
And, the entertaining Valhalla Street Theatre will be bringing the past alive
Sunday 24 August, 2-4pm
Storyteller Steve Lally returns to the cottages with his tales for all
And, Bangor's Boom! Studios will be providing kids crafts
Sunday 31 August, 2-4pm
Cockle welcomes Mermaid Belleweather for a visit for meet and greets
And, Christine returns to get the griddle on for some of her delicious soda not to be missed!
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 7 September, 2-4pm
SEAFARER’S EVENT with local group Discover Groomsport
Saturday 13 September, 2-4pm
Cockle Row Cottages are open as part of European Heritage Open Days - Find out more
Clive Lyttle of Welig Crafts brings willow craft to Cockle
And, there will be soda bread by Christine, baked on the open fire in the cottage.
Sunday 14 September, 2-4pm
Cockle Row Cottages are open as part of European Heritage Open Days - Find out more
Clive Lyttle of Welig Crafts brings willow crafting to the cottages.
And, Jacquie Brachi will be holding Calligraphy workshops
Plus, NI Falconry return with their majestic birds of prey
OCTOBER
Sunday 26 October, 2-4pm
Blackberry Farm NI return with their small animal roadshow - always a favourite amongst the little ones!
And, the lovely Rosie Ennis returns, holding kids crafting workshops again
Find out more about the picturesque village of Groomsport and Cockle Row, including information on seasonal tours of the village and on Groomsport Inclusive Beach.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Free to attend. No tickets required.
